The Lusitano Horse

The Lusitano Horse

Anyone looking at a Lusitano horse for the first time might mistake them for an Andalusian horse. However, these two breeds
of horses are only related to each other, not one and the same. Despite this, the horses bred in the Iberian Peninsula were
regarded as one breed until the early years of the twentieth century when the two countries created their own stud books.

Ever sine the Portuguese created their own stud book; they have greatly improved their breeding program and monitoring of their
horses. They managed to preserve the Lusitanos amazing strength and courage, which made the very best warhorses.

The qualities of courage and strength make the stocky Lusitano an ideal mount for the dangerous and some-what horrible sport
of mounted bullfighting. In Portugal, it is thought a huge disgrace if a horse is injured during a bullfight. To make sure that there
are minimum chances of a horse getting injured, the Lusitanos are thoroughly trained, making sure that they know how to capitalize
on their inborn strengths of acceleration and maneuverability to keep away from the bull.

Lusitano horses are lovely animals. Affectionate and intelligent, they work well and excitedly. They are great for training and with
their natural balance, smooth gaits and elevated paces, they make a lovely, comfortable ride. Just like the Andalusian horses, the
Lusitanos excel dramatically at the Haute Ecole. However, they are not only good at the older sports. The Lusitano as a
breed are constantly proving themselves to be great Show Jumpers and carriage drivers.

The Lusitano horse generally stands about 15.1 to 15.3 hands in height, but some horses will reach 16 hands. They come in the colors
of grey, bay, dun and chestnut. They can be found in other colors, but the ones mentioned afore are preferred.